Maternal smoking during pregnancy is
a serious social problem that we should all be aware from, because of it’s really damaging effects. Studies, researches that concern the maternal
smoking during pregnancy (MSP) showed alarming results of the effects of MSP on
fetus during its development on the uterus and even after it’s born. As a fetus
of smoking mother have showed effects in infancy, childhood and adolescence.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy not only affects the fetus‘s health which is
damaging in some cases but also it affects the behavior of the child, as a
study showed that ''Children exposed to MSP are more likely to experiment with
tobacco by themselves'', also it may lead to learning difficulties such as;
Autism. MSP have a direct effects by toxins in utero, and indirect effects that
cause the damage in the placental unit. Thickening of the basement membrane, increase of tissue
and morphological changes in the placenta, decreased vascularization, these are
the most effects of MSP on fetus during the first trimester. MSP is a large
modifiable risk of asthma, it leads to aberrant development and premature
ageing if the fetal lungs. As an early life influence, maternal smoking during pregnancy
leads to preterm birth (birth at the 37th week), intrauterine growth
retardation (IUGR) which refers to a condition in which the unborn baby is
smaller than it should be because it is not growing at normal rate inside the
womb. Also, MSP have a long term effects on lung function, and it increases the
risk of infection; respiratory infections as wheezing and asthma. Breast
feeding is another influencing factor for early childhood infections, where it
is a protective effect on infant wheezing, however, children of mother’s
smoking in pregnancy are less likely to breast fed; which again increase the
risk for wheezing episode in early life. Breast feeding for less than 3 months
increase the risk of asthma at ages of 1,2,4 and 10 years. As a later influence
MSP affects the immune system modulation, where the changes in the utero and
the external environment reduces the capacity of offspring to protect
themselves against environmental stressors. Toxins acts by activating or
repressing certain immune regulating genes through epigenetic effects. Finally,
every cigarette taken by a pregnant women is doing a damage by a way or
another, so stop this crime in your god’s gift, and know that when you’re
pregnant you’re not just eating for two you’re breathing for two! Take a
decision and quit smoking today.
Reference: Zacharasiewicz, A.2016 Jul; 2(30): 00042-2016. doi: 10.1183/23120541.0042.2016.
Reference: Zacharasiewicz, A.2016 Jul; 2(30): 00042-2016. doi: 10.1183/23120541.0042.2016.
These researches should be published widely because they are very important to make mothers aware of what they can cause for their children by smoking.
ReplyDeleteAn Interesting article with a deep meaning. Smoking is a serious issue not only for pregnant women but also for all smokers. Sadly the number of smokers is increasing especially among teenagers. Thank you for this beneficial article
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such an important topic that should be spread widely for every mom to know that it is a serious issue in order to protect herself first and her bay also..
ReplyDeleteAll of us knows that smoking is harmful for every body but you give us important details about how it is harmful for pregnant so i think this post should be posted every where and i will post it in my Facebook...thank you
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